If you decide to make a second visit try to take your relative with you. As it is probably going to be their new home they might like to see it before moving in. They may have questions to ask. If they can’t go with you, try to discuss the options with them. This will help to make them feel they have a choice and a hand in their future.

Why Make Another Visit?

• Refresh your memory.
• Take your relative – the prospective resident – if they are willing and able.
• Clarify information you’ve already received.
• Ask for any more information you need.
• Have a second look at the bedrooms and communal areas.
• Discuss with the matron any changes in your relative’s physical or mental health.

Preparing For Your Second Visit

See the suggested list in Figure 10. Customise it to suit the circumstances.

If you intend to visit more than one home for a second time make out another comparison chart (see Figure 11).

• anything you didn’t ask about before
• anything you would like clarified
• new information you need.

Visiting The Second Time

• Introduce your relative, if they are with you, to the matron or nurse in charge.
• Ask if they can be shown a bedroom, communal rooms and bathrooms.
• Modern style baths such as a ‘Parker bath’ may worry your relative until they have actually tried one. Ask if your relative could see a demonstration and an explanation of how it works. They may need reassurance about any other equipment seen in the home.
• Encourage your relative to chat to staff and other residents. This will help them feel there is somebody they know in the home.
• Allow them to ask questions.
• Ask to see the menus and show them to your relative. Point out the foods you know they like.
• Ask the matron or nurse in charge to discuss the daily routine with them.
• The matron may take this opportunity to assess your relative to ensure that the home is the right place for them to be cared for on a long-term basis.
• Provided there is a vacancy most matrons will allow prospective residents to be admitted for a trial period before they decide to become a permanent resident.
• If all goes well and your relative agrees, you could ask the matron to make their assessment then, if they have not already done so, with a view to your relative’s subsequent admission.
• If you didn’t read the registration and insurance certificates, inspectors’ report or the residents’ charter on your last visit ask to see them.
• Make notes of everything you think will be important to yourself and your relative.

After the visit talk to your relative about the visit. Encourage them to see all the good things about the home. Help them to think positively about the future.

Checklist

• Is there anything else you or your relative want to discuss?
• Have the assessments been carried out?
• Have you started to compile a list of the items they want to take with them?

Reasons Why A Prospective Resident May Not Be Accepted

• It is the wrong category of home. Maybe the applicant needs a home for the mentally infirm (EMI home) or a residential care home rather than a nursing home or vice versa.
• The home may not be registered for the category of care your relative needs.
• The prospective resident may be disruptive, have behavioural problems or be excessively aggressive.
• There is insufficient funding.
• There are no vacancies.